Amish Country Casserole
There are some dinners that just feel like home the moment they hit the table. The kind of meal where nobody asks what is for dinner because they already know it smells good. This Amish Country Casserole is exactly that kind of supper.
I remember nights when the wind was howling outside and the house felt a little colder than usual. Those were the nights you wanted something warm and filling in the oven. Not fancy. Not complicated. Just honest food that fed your people and made the evening slow down a little. This casserole reminds me of those nights. The oven humming, the kids drifting into the kitchen asking how long until it is ready, and me standing there pretending I am not sneaking a forkful before dinner.
This is the kind of recipe you make when you have had a long day and still want to put something comforting on the table. It uses simple ingredients most of us already have hanging around the pantry. Ground beef. Egg noodles. A can of cream of mushroom soup that somehow always ends up in the cart. It is budget friendly, filling, and reliable. The kind of meal dads love because it works every single time.
I make this Amish Country Casserole on busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, and especially on nights when I know leftovers will be a gift the next day. It reheats beautifully, packs well for lunch, and somehow tastes even better after sitting overnight. If you are looking for a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly night, this one belongs in your rotation.
What Is Amish Country Casserole?
Amish Country Casserole is a classic baked dish made with ground beef, egg noodles, creamy mushroom soup, simple seasonings, vegetables, and melted cheese.
Everything is mixed together and baked until tender and bubbly, creating a rich, homey casserole that is easy to make and easy to love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort food classic: This casserole delivers that cozy, old fashioned flavor that feels familiar and satisfying from the first bite.
- Budget friendly: Made with simple pantry staples and affordable ingredients that stretch to feed the whole family.
- Easy to make: Straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can follow without stress.
- Great leftovers: Reheats beautifully and tastes just as good the next day, making it perfect for lunches.
- Family approved: Mild flavors and hearty textures make this a hit with kids and adults alike.
When to Serve This Recipe
- Busy weeknights: Quick prep and hands off baking make this ideal after a long day.
- Sunday supper: Feels special without being complicated, perfect for slowing down the weekend.
- Cold weather dinners: Warm, filling, and comforting when the temperatures drop.
- Potlucks or sharing meals: Easy to transport and always well received by a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef – Provides hearty flavor and protein for the base of the casserole
- 1 onion diced – Adds savory depth and sweetness as it cooks with the beef
- 1 1 4 cups milk – Helps create a creamy sauce that keeps everything tender
- 1 10 oz can cream of mushroom soup – The classic binder that brings rich, comforting flavor
- 1 tsp garlic salt – Seasons the dish evenly with both garlic and salt
- 1 tsp onion powder – Enhances the onion flavor without overpowering
- 1 tsp pepper – Adds gentle warmth and balance
- 1 cup uncooked egg noodles – Soak up the sauce as they bake and become perfectly tender
- 1 cup frozen peas – Adds color, texture, and a touch of sweetness
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into a golden, cozy topping that ties it all together
How to Make Amish Country Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and cook the beef
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non stick cooking spray and set it aside. In a large pan over medium high heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease and return the pan to the stove.
Step 2: Mix the creamy sauce
In a medium bowl, add the milk, cream of mushroom soup, garlic salt, onion powder, and pepper. Stir until everything is fully combined and smooth. This is where that classic creamy flavor comes together.
Step 3: Combine everything
Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the cooked beef and onions. Add the uncooked egg noodles and frozen peas. Stir well so everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 4: Bake and add cheese
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return the dish to the oven uncovered for another 5 to 8 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Substitutions
- Ground turkey: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey if you want a lighter option.
- Cream of chicken soup: Use cream of chicken instead of mushroom for a slightly different flavor.
- Almond milk: Can replace regular milk if needed, though whole milk gives the richest result.
Variations
- Vegetable loaded: Add corn, carrots, or green beans for extra veggies.
- Cheesy blend: Mix cheddar with mozzarella or Colby Jack for a different cheese profile.
- Seasoned twist: Add a pinch of paprika or Italian seasoning for extra warmth.
Tips and Tricks
- Drain the beef well: Removing excess grease keeps the casserole creamy instead of oily.
- Use frozen onions: Frozen diced onions work perfectly and save prep time.
- Do not overbake: Keep an eye on the cheese so it melts without drying out.
- Let it rest: A short rest after baking helps everything set up for easier serving.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead and refrigerate it, then bake when ready.
Do the noodles really cook in the oven?
Yes, the uncooked egg noodles absorb the liquid as it bakes and come out tender.
Can I freeze this casserole?
You can freeze it after baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat until warmed through.
Is this recipe kid friendly?
Absolutely. The flavors are mild, creamy, and familiar.
Serving Ideas
- Simple side salad: A crisp green salad balances the richness of the casserole.
- Dinner rolls: Perfect for soaking up every bit of creamy sauce.
- Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or green beans pair nicely with the hearty bake.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
- Make ahead: Assemble earlier in the day and bake when ready for dinner.
- Portion for lunches: Divide leftovers into individual containers for easy grab and go meals.
Amish Country Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb of ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 1 ¼ cup of milk
- 1 10 oz can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tsp of garlic salt
- 1 tsp of onion powder
- 1 tsp of pepper
- 1 cup of uncooked egg noodles
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat and cook the beef – Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non stick cooking spray and set it aside. In a large pan over medium high heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease and return the pan to the stove.
- Step 2: Mix the creamy sauce – In a medium bowl, add the milk, cream of mushroom soup, garlic salt, onion powder, and pepper. Stir until everything is fully combined and smooth. This is where that classic creamy flavor comes together.
- Step 3: Combine everything – Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the cooked beef and onions. Add the uncooked egg noodles and frozen peas. Stir well so everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Step 4: Bake and add cheese – Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return the dish to the oven uncovered for another 5 to 8 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Substitutions
- Ground turkey: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey if you want a lighter option.
- Cream of chicken soup: Use cream of chicken instead of mushroom for a slightly different flavor.
- Almond milk: Can replace regular milk if needed, though whole milk gives the richest result.
Variations
- Vegetable loaded: Add corn, carrots, or green beans for extra veggies.
- Cheesy blend: Mix cheddar with mozzarella or Colby Jack for a different cheese profile.
- Seasoned twist: Add a pinch of paprika or Italian seasoning for extra warmth.
Tips and Tricks
- Drain the beef well: Removing excess grease keeps the casserole creamy instead of oily.
- Use frozen onions: Frozen diced onions work perfectly and save prep time.
- Do not overbake: Keep an eye on the cheese so it melts without drying out.
- Let it rest: A short rest after baking helps everything set up for easier serving.
Serving Ideas
- Simple side salad: A crisp green salad balances the richness of the casserole.
- Dinner rolls: Perfect for soaking up every bit of creamy sauce.
- Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or green beans pair nicely with the hearty bake.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
- Make ahead: Assemble earlier in the day and bake when ready for dinner.
- Portion for lunches: Divide leftovers into individual containers for easy grab and go meals.
Private Notes
Final Thoughts
This Amish Country Casserole is one of those recipes that earns a permanent spot in the dinner rotation. It is simple, dependable, and deeply comforting. The kind of meal that brings everyone to the table without a lot of fuss. As a dad, I love recipes like this because they work. They feed my family, stretch the budget, and make the house smell like dinner should.
If you are craving something warm, filling, and familiar, give this one a try. Make it once and I promise it will find its way back into your kitchen again and again. Cozy food has a way of doing that.
